Publications

Mexican SMEs are key drivers of employment and economic growth, but they face barriers that limit their expansion. Low investment and shortcomings in areas such as workforce training and technology adoption, among others, reduce their productivity and hinder their ability to achieve greater scale.

The national unemployment rate remained at 8.8% in April 2026, interrupting the downward trend observed since 2025. This result responded to proportional increases in both the employment rate and the overall participation rate. Thus, job creation continued to be dynamic, with an annual growth of 3.0%.

Spain’s labour market remains dynamic, supported by the foreign population, which helps offset demographic ageing. Immigration is key to sustaining employment, though integration faces temporary employment and productivity challenges. The regularisation process is expected to have a limited macroeconomic impact.

In this edition of the QLMO, we assess recent labour market developments using the information available through Q1 2026. We review the main aggregate indicators and explore a number of issues related to working conditions, immigration, and youth emancipation.

President Trump issued an executive order on May 19 aimed at outlining measures to restrict undocumented migrants' access to the U.S. financial system, including the use of remittance services and digital payment methods.

The Spanish economy continues to grow faster than the euro area, driven by strong employment, services, and domestic demand. However, structural challenges remain in productivity, investment, and housing that must be overcome to achieve real convergence with Europe.

The Colombian automotive sector experienced a strong recovery in 2025 and has further accelerated its momentum in 2026. Growth has been driven by improved household consumption, the rise of utility vehicles, and the advancement of hybrid and electric technologies.